So, after completing the "Jak and Daxter HD Collection", for what feels like the 100th time (getting platinums in all of them), I decided to give the Uncharted Franchise a try. I signed up for PS+ (because, I figured I might as well do it now, with PS4 coming in November), picked up a sweet deal for Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (plus DLC) for $29.99, and got started on my first play through of the game. Wanting to get the Platinum Trophy, I started with the Hard difficulty, just so I could limit the amount of play-throughs I had to do (1: Beat the game on hard, unlocking "Crushing" difficulty. 2: Beat the game on Crushing. 3: Collect everything, finish Medals.) Right off the bat, you will be taken aback by the visuals. This game looks fantastic for a title released in 2007. It makes Halo: Reach look like it should've been an Original Xbox title. With a quick and easy tutorial on how to shoot, get to cover, aim, and fight, the fluidity of the game's controls become apparent. Although, you will sometimes find that the cover system and blind-fire system don't work as well as you'd wish. The game starts slowly, I won't lie. But the introduction to Sully and Drake's character is worth it. I really enjoyed the back-and-forth banter between the two in future Chapters. As the game progresses, you will find that these NPCs actual help in combat as well. So much, in fact, that you'll find yourself wanting their company on missions where they aren't with you. This is the perfect balance between invincible A.I. and stupid, Halo-tier computers. The game doesn't really get into the meat and potatoes of the story until Chapter 13 or 14, but it's worth it to make it there. I spent many hours pushing through some of the earliest Chapters. You'll know exactly what I'm talking about when you get there. While the overall game isn't too difficult, you will constantly find yourself wanting to throw your controller at the screen. Depending on difficulty, of course. Some sections for me, took over 30+ deaths to make it to the next checkpoint, although, I'm fairly new to the series and this was my first play-through. But fear not; the game rewards you for completing difficult areas by including instant respawns, and generous checkpoints. I also found myself forgetting about the difficulty right after I progressed through it. The game on hard difficulty took me roughly 2 days to complete (not 48 hours). That isn't including getting the Platinum. Although the story was a wee bit predictable in some areas, I was really surprised near the final chapters. It's like, up until Chapter 15 or so, the game teaches you to play a certain way; conservative, cautious, and careful. But right after, they mix it up entirely, forcing you to adapt. I think the end result makes you a better player at the game. While I'm a huge fan of Naughty Dog, I can't help but feel this is a bit of a step down from their previous franchise. While the gameplay and story are fun, the open world, no loading screens, and a long story mode from the "Jak and Daxter" franchise are definitely missed. The game does, however, do an incredible job of immersing you in the story. When Drake takes cover to reload, you will here him say something along the lines of "Okay." Or, "What now?" As lame of a description that was, it really feels like he's gathering all his courage to step out of cover and shoot. It wouldn't be a Naughty Dog game without a bunch of secrets to unlock. The game comes with 1000 points altogether for you to collect, which range from beating the game on different difficulties, collecting treasure, and completing tasks. The rewards differ from costumes, skins, weapon select, and one-shot-kills. I find too many games not including these and it's a nice refresher from modern games. All in all, the game is fun, fast, and rewarding. If you haven't already, I'd suggest picking it up. I give it a rough 8.2/10.